Independence Day: American Flags on the Runway

I pledge allegiance...

By
Alexandra Hope Schwartz

Jul 4, 2019

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Stars and stripes are strong prints in their own right, but when they come together in the context of the American Flag, they become emblematic of a nation. Throughout the years, designers in the U.S. and abroad have taken the red, white, and blue motif, reimagining it or simply adopting it verbatim in their runway collections. In honor of Independence Day, CR takes a look at the American flag on the catwalk.

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Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2000

Alek Wek pays homage to America in this red, white, and blue look.

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Catherine Malandrino Fall/Winter 2001

First appearing on the Catherine Malandrino runway, Meryl Streep later wore this patriotic dress to promote her film Doubt in 2009.

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Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012

Lily Aldridge doubles as America's angel in this jaw-dropping look.

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Vogue

Dsquared2 Spring/Summer 2012

Beer in hand, the model looks prepared to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend in style, straight from Dsquared2's runway.

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Givenchy Fall/Winter 2012 Men's

The flag's stars and stripes were reinterpreted in moody and masculine ways for the Fall/Winter 2012 men's collection.

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Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2015

Taylor Hill took the runway dressed in the star spangled banner from head to toe.

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MOSCHINO London Collection Spring/Summer 2015

With stripes of flags representing different nations and the placement of an unmissable smiley face on the front of the sweater, we can't help but hear The Beatles singing, "Come together, right now..."

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Vogue

Coach 1941 Fall/Winter 2015

Who said it had to be red, white, and blue?

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Lacoste

Lacoste Spring/Summer 2016

This flag-inspired set has a sporty feel with an urban edge.

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Vogue

Faith Connexion Spring/Summer 2017

The camouflage-like pattern pants and swaths of the American flag give a nod to U.S. Military forces.

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Parsons MFA Runway 2016

This look features a patchwork-style kimono incorporating the American flag, among other nations' motifs.

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Vogue

Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2016

The fur collar on this suede jacket brings a country feeling to the American flag.

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Vogue

Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2016

An oversized cardigan knit with stars and stripes looks both patriotic and cozy.

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Vogue

Fausto Puglisi Resort 2016 Collection

Captain America takes the stage in a brand new light, paired with a leather jacket and thigh-high boots.

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Tommy X Gigi Spring/Summer 2017

CR girl Gigi Hadid sported a branded and flag-bearing sweatshirt for the debut of her collaborative collection with Tommy Hilfiger.

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Vaquera Fall/Winter 2017

Vaquera redefines Lady Liberty with an American flag dress.

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Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2017

This look takes an Americana denim and a knit look and gives it a flag-focused twist.

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Ralph Lauren 50th Anniversary Runway

Gigi Hadid modeled a patchwork gown featuring a glittering American flag. The motif appeared on other looks in the milestone collection, underscoring its significance to the history of the American designer's brand.

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Vetements Spring/Summer 2019

The French fashion house embraced American symbolism with this flag-emblazoned coat.

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Philipp Plein Spring/Summer 2019

Rapper 6ix9ine brought the American flag all the way to Italy, performing on Philipp Plein's runway.

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Alexander Wang Collection 1

On looks throughout the collection shown in May, the designer put his own twist on the American flag, positioning the motif upside-down and replacing the stars with his initial "A." The ground of Rockefeller Center, where the show took place, was also transformed to display the same symbol on a super-sized scale as the models walked the finale.

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